Emergency repatriation? What you need to do now
Emergency repatriation? What you need to do now
If you’ve googled your way to this article, it’s possible you’re facing an emergency medical repatriation situation right now.
Maybe you’re searching on behalf of a loved one who’s injured or ill, and you need to get them back home to a hospital ASAP.
That’s what is known as an emergency medical evacuation and repatriation, and we can definitely help. You’ve probably never done this before. You may be feeling daunted or confused about what happens next. That’s OK. Here’s what to do next.
1 Call our hotline
Telephone our team. You’ll go straight through to one of our repatriation experts (it’s a 24/7 service). Prefer to send an SMS? You can text (or call) our WhatsApp and they’ll respond ASAP: click here for . You can also email us: click here to send one now.
2 Tell us what happened
Our expert will ask for some details. First: what’s your patient’s name and age, and where are they (the country, plus the home or hospital)? What has happened, and what’s their condition – are they in critical care, conscious or unconscious, able or unable to sit up / walk? If you’re able to tell us about their medical history (ongoing conditions, recent issues, any medication they’re taking), that will help us too.
3 Discuss the travel options
There are three ways to get your patient home. Air Ambulance is a private jet with onboard facilities up to the level of Intensive Care (ICU). Medical Escort is a regular commercial flight with accompanying medic/s. Road ambulance is a private ambulance for overland travel – this option can handle distances of 2,500km or longer, including ferry connections if necessary. We’ll give you a clear indication of costs (road and escort are more economical options), but you don’t need to commit until you’ve reviewed our official quote.
4 Get the free quotation
As soon as you put the phone down, our team starts work. We’ll plan the best route, check flights and connections, and calculate the cost. This happens quickly. We can usually email your quote within 60 minutes. We’ll call you again to make sure the email has reached you safely.
5 Email your signed acceptance
If you’ve reviewed the quote and you’re happy to go ahead, you can easily accept and sign the quotation online or send us a signed acceptance via email. The invoice will be issued and you can make the payment immediately, then just send us the proof of payment (a screenshot of the completed payment is fine). This acts as our green light to get started on the repatriation right away and we’ll send you a confirmation by return, with a complete travel schedule to follow.
6 Pack your luggage and wait for our ambulance
From this point on – apart from sending us a copy of your patient’s passport or residence permit (and your own, if you’re travelling with them), and in certain cases their medical report – you don’t need to do anything else. Our team will use the info you’ve given to liaise with your patient’s hospital or medical team (with translators if needed) – and with the clinic or hospital in your home country. We’ll arrange all the timings, travel connections, communications and food / drink. We’ll also be in touch with updates – especially your pickup time. In most cases, we’ll be at your door within 24 to 48 hours. While you’re waiting, just pack anything you’d like to take on the journey (you can take up to 20kg per person) – and call us any time, day or night, if you need advice, help or reassurance.
Contact us
Need advice or more details about an emergency medical repatriation or evacuation? Call us now – we’re ready to help!
